Dehydrated Anodized Layer Plugging for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enclosures for portable electronic devices with anodized layers are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to external elements, leading to rust and undesirable color changes due to the dissolution of the anodized layer's seals.
Innovation Solution
A dehydrated anodized layer with metal oxide plugs in the pores of the anodized layer, formed by dehydrating the hydrated material within the pores, provides a moisture-impermeable barrier that prevents corrosion and maintains the color integrity of the enclosures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anodized layer is sealed with hydrated material to provide corrosion protection, then the enclosures gain initial corrosion resistance, but the seals are susceptible to dissolving when exposed to external elements over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state of the sealing material from hydrated to dehydrated form. The dehydrated metal oxide plugs are formed by removing water from hydrated material within the pores, creating a more stable, dissolution-resistant seal that maintains corrosion protection over extended periods when exposed to external elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure within the pores by combining dehydrated metal oxide material with the anodized layer matrix. This composite plug structure provides both mechanical stability and chemical resistance, preventing dissolution while maintaining the protective function of the anodized layer
2Shape
If the anodized layer is dyed to provide aesthetic appearance, then the enclosures gain visual appeal, but the dissolution of seals causes undesirable iridescent effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydration state of the sealing material to dehydrated form, which is chemically more stable and resistant to dissolution. This prevents the release of trapped dye and the formation of iridescent effects, thereby maintaining color stability while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the dyed anodized layer
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dehydrated plug effectively prevents corrosion and maintains the color stability of the enclosures, even when exposed to external contaminants, significantly improving the corrosion resistance and longevity of the enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a metal oxide material that plugs the openings of the pores
Implementation Method 2
forming dehydrated material within pores of the anodized layer by dehydrating the hydrated material, where the dehydrated material plugs the openings of the pores
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to an enclosure for a portable electronic device. The enclosure includes a metal substrate and a dehydrated anodized layer overlaying the metal substrate. The dehydrated anodized layer includes pores having openings that extend from an external surface of the dehydrated anodized layer and towards the metal substrate, and a metal oxide material that plugs the openings of the pores, where a concentration of the metal oxide material is between about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %.